Monday, May 26, 2008

Remembering Kate


In the past, Memorial Day meant nice weather, going to the lake or camping or just enjoying time away from home. In the future, Memorial Day will be a very special day for us.....as we reflect on the life of Kate and how she brought us so much joy and happiness. I have to admit that things have not gotten easier with time. In fact, I feel that as time goes on.....the pain of losing Kate has been much greater. We did, however, spend a few days in Fillmore this weekend and were able to spend some time at the cemetery. In my personal opinion, I feel that the Fillmore Cemetery is one of the most beautiful, well kept cemeteries I have seen. I am so glad we made the decision to have Kate buried there.

When I think of Kate, I think of lady bugs. She is our sweet little Kater Bugs and I wanted to do something different for her grave site, hence the ladybug theme. I think it turned out really cute. We were finally able to pick out a headstone. Apparently, it takes about 3 months for it to arrive. We're still hoping that we can have it here by her birthday in July, but it's not a guarantee. I'll be excited to get it here and set.

We enjoyed spending time with my family this weekend. Here are some cute pictures of Mia at Grandma Roper's house.

20 comments:

Lacey said...

Whenever I think of Katerbugs I always think of ladybugs. It must have been that stinkin cute Halloween costume last year. It was just so fitting for Kate. Yesterday I spent much time thinking of Kate and your family.
You are an amazing woman Marcae, you are my hero and a great example of the kind of mother, friend, daughter and wife I want to be. Thanks for teaching me how I should live my life.

I miss and love you Kate.

Lindsay said...

I am so happy you were able to go visit Kate this weekend. I think about her all of the time - and you guys too. These days are so difficult and I really understand that. You are a wonderful example to us. I hope your days begin to get a little bit better.

Nelson said...

My thoughts and heart have been with you guys this Memorial Day.
Everything turned out so cute Marcae! The ladybug theme is perfect. Fillmore was definitely the right decision. It seems very peaceful there.
I know what you mean about Memorial Day, it has changed for me too. It truly is a day of reflection when you have lost a loved one. Kate's spirit with always be with you. I love you guys!
Love you too Katerbugs!

Nick Scott Family said...

Marcae - it turned out so cute! We thought about you guys yesterday on Memorial Day. I hope your days in the future get easier.

The Lapuaho's said...

Kate's gravesite looks great! I was thinking about you guys yesterday. While I was in Fillmore last week I walked up to the cemetary and visited little Kater Bugs. I hope things get easier for you!

Kelly Nordfelt said...

I remember when Drew was that little! I can't believe how big and old she is! It really feels like yesterday that we lived in that NASTY house. Your little Mia is adorable, and I love the new sign for Kate. I am sure she loves it too!

Candace said...

What a special day for you to remember Kate. I love the lady bug decor. You are one amazing person. Mia is adorable!

Mandie said...

I love the lady bug theme it's perfect. Kate probably loves it too and the fact that you guys were able to make it down to visit her. I'm glad you guys had a great Memorial day! You are in our thoughts!

Lisa said...

That looks so cute Marcae. One of these days I need to go up to the cemetary and see it. I can't even imagine how hard this has been for you, and I really hope that it will start getting easier for you. You are truly amazing in my book!

Fritzsche's said...

We were thinking of you guys this last weekend and I also realized that I think of Kate often. I'm so excited to see her headstone. It sounds wonderful and I know Kate will love it. I'm sure she just loved the lady bug theme and what you did for her this weekend. She knows what a great Mom and Dad she was blessed to have. You guys would do anything for her even still. It's very humbling. I just love you guys so much. Mia is so adoreable. She is still so eentsy beentsy. What a cute family you are.

Miranda at Marz Haus said...

I am so glad that you were able to spend some time in Fillmore. Kate's grave site looks so cute, the ladybug theme is perfect for her!

It looks like it was a much-needed weekend for all of you, Mia looks right at home in Fillmore with her cousin Drew.

Meladie said...

Kate's gravesite looks so cute! I can't even imagine going through what you've been through and you're so strong! You are amazing to me. I love the pics of Mia...she's absolutley adorable!

Jayci said...

Hey Marcae! Jayci Crapo here! I found your site thru the ol' Millard High website. You look so amazing! & so does your blog(s).

I just wanted to tell you that I'm so sorry about Kate. I didn't even know that was something you've had to go thru. I can't even imagine how difficult it's been for you. I'm so glad to see you've been blessed with your beautiful Mia.

Well, if you ever need anything - I'm not too far away. I'm just living with Adam in Orem. You can check out my blog at www.jaycilee.blogspot.com. Take care!

Anonymous said...

Both of my parents passed away while I was in high school. ( A year apart from each other.) Everyone always told me how much better it would get with time. I didn't feel that way, however. I agree with you, that time wasn't a huge healer for me. I think that I was still realing in so much shock, that it took a long, long time for me to really be able to feel the pain of their loss.
As I was contemplating their deaths this Memorial Day weekend, I thought of those who have had to bury their own children, I think that is hands down one of the hardest, most severe trials anyone will ever face. It appears you have done so with as much grace, and faith as anyone could expect. But it is good to know that it is okay that it still hurts. I am so glad you have the sweet new little one to help you at this time.

The Hawaiian Howells said...

hello my cute friend, looks like things are going good besides the missing of little kate. I miss her too, I love your little family and think the ladybugs are so cute. Mia is getting so big already and her pics are about the cutest thing i have ever seen you have such cute ideas. Dave always says how much he thinks the stuff you do is so cool. we miss you guys and need to get together. I will email you maybe we could go to the zoo. love meg

Sarah Garner said...

Marcae,

I ran across Kates blog on accident, and I just wanted to tell you that you are an amazing woman. The strength you have exhibited in the face of the most heart wrenching challenges is truly inspiring.
A friend of mine told me you never know the meaning of bittersweet until you have to send your baby to heaven. Happy for them that they are in a better place, sad for us that they are not with us. How painfully true that it. My daughter wasn't with me as long as yours was so I don't know the ache you must feel after having her with you 24-7 and then suddenly having her gone. But I do know the ache of a mother longing to hold her child.
You will be in my prayers. I hope that you can feel love of our Savior as he "holds" you and comforts you through this hard time. He is the only one that truly understands the depth of your pain and how to best comfort you.
A friend of mine sent me this song when we lost our little girl this last February and it has brought me some comfort. I hope it can do the same for you.
http://scnwd.com/mymusic/2_Held.mp3

Thank you for puting your story out there to bless and inspire the lives of others, both those of us who have experienced loss and those that have not. There is not better way to pay tribute to your little angel than to bless the lives of others. I am sure that is exactly what she is doing on the other side.

Jodi Leishman said...

Kate's gravesite is darling - so perfect!

I'm glad you were able to spend some time with your family. Mia is simply adorable. We need to come see her in person. :)

Advice from Ordinary People Flourishing Together said...

Marc,

You have such a cute little family. Once again I am so sorry that I was not able to attend Kate's funeral. I am happy that you have Mia, congrats! We have moved again and are living in St. George. James was able to get a much needed raise and now I get to stay home with our three boys. If you are ever in the area please email me or blog me back. I would love to see your family. You can camp out with us if you ever need to. Anyway...talk to you later.

Love ya, Ali

Anonymous said...

Marcae,
Just want you to know we are thinking about you and know that the pain of your loss is great. I'm glad you are allowing yourself time to deal with this even if it doesn't seem to get much better. Hopefully our prayers will reach your aching hearts.
I love to look at the pics of Mia. She is such a sweetheart and a bright spot for you guys.
Love, Marie

McKinlay Family said...

You guys are my heroes!